The historic philosophical foundation for Chinese martial arts mostly lies in Chan Buddhism, Taoism, Legalism and Confucianism. Moral codes from the Shaolin Temple and the world of Jiang Hu also have been heavily influenced by Chinese martial arts philosophy.
The Shaolin philosophy, which you can find in martial arts across the globe, focuses on healing rather than hurting. By understanding combat, you can avoid it. If you hurt someone, you must know how to heal him. Sadly, these ideals have been rapidly disappearing over the past 20 years.
The Jiang Hu world (“rivers and lakes”) was an alternative society of beggars, outcasts, martial heroes and villains. While they coexisted with normal society, they had their own laws, brotherhood and values, such as righteousness, loyalty, chivalry and gallantry. Honor came before everything else, and it was the duty of a hero to help those who couldn’t defend themselves.
Chinese martial arts schools are set up like families. The sifu (teacher/father) and his wife, the shimu (teacher/mother), instruct the students, who are called older or younger brothers and sisters. Although the father’s word is final, there’s always room for discussion.
– March 21, 2011
To longtime readers of Black Belt, Steve DeMasco needs no introduction. A student of the martial arts since 1968, he’s been a fixture in the magazine since his debut in the February 1998 issue. Over the ensuing years, he’s espoused his views on the physical and philosophical sides of the
Read More »
– March 20, 2011
On April 6, 2007, jeet kune do practitioner Richard Bustillo visited the offices of Black Belt to be photographed for the cover article of the July 2007 issue. Richard Bustillo received the Best Eclectic School plaque for his renowned International Martial Arts and Boxing Academy at the 1st Annual Black
Read More »
– March 19, 2011
Situated atop a 40-foot-high, rickety-looking catwalk, Jet Li looks like a puppet on a string as he prepares for one of Corey Yuen’s action-directed stunts. Wires protrude from Jet Li’s body in four directions, and as Corey Yuen bellows, “Action,” a menagerie of Chinese stunt guys yank on them by
Read More »
